What is writing but the preservation of ghosts?
—Cameron Awkward-Rich,
“Essay on the Appearance of Ghosts”
We rouse ghosts,
Primarily, for answers.
Meaning we seek
Ghosts for their memory
& fear them for it just the same.
Our country, a land of shades.
Yet there are no wraiths but us.
If we are to summon
Anyone or anything,
Let it be our tender selves.
Like ghosts, we have too much
To say. We will make do,
Even if in a graveyard.
We, like this place,
Are haunted & hungry.
The past is where we pull home,
Our forms once again fluent
In all things bright.